John Adams ambient background
CinebyCineby
John Adams backdrop

John Adams

John Adams
★ 7.7/10•2008•1h 0m•TV-14•Drama
Similars

He united the states of America.

Adapted from David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, this lavish seven-part miniseries chronicles the life of Founding Father John Adams, starting with the Boston Massacre of 1770 through his years as an ambassador in Europe, then his terms as vice president and president of the United States, up to his death on July 4, 1826.

Tom Hooper · Director

Kirk Ellis · Writer

StatusEnded
Runtime1h 0m
LanguageEN
First Air DateMar 16, 2008

Episodes

Episode 1 - Join or DieE168m

Join or Die

In an emotionally charged trial John Adams defends the British sentries involved in the Boston Massacre who contend they were provoked into firing on the assembled crowd. John's success brings him offers of positions in the Massachusetts government. But after John Hancock rouses a crowd to tar and feather a representative of the British East India Tea Company and the British respond to the growing unrest with oppressive measures, John instead speaks against the British policies and chooses to represent Massachusetts in the Continental Congress.

Mar 16, 2008

Episode 2 - IndependenceE288m

Independence

After viewing the dead and wounded on the battlefield of Concord, John Adams takes up the cause of Independence. Frustrated by the caution of delegates from colonies that do not share Massachusetts plight, the inexperienced politician is abrasive, obnoxious and even insulting. But with the advice of Abigail and Ben Franklin he soon learns he has allies, to cultivate them, to bide his time and to seize opportunities. Following John's nomination, George Washington takes charge of the army and enjoys successes despite supply shortages. Back at home, Abigail and the children risk supporting the war effort in most tangible ways but find Mother Nature more threatening.

Mar 16, 2008

Episode 3 - Don't Tread on MeE366m

Don't Tread on Me

Over the emotional objections of Abigail, John Adam and his son endure turbulent seas and an encounter with the British Navy to join Ben Franklin on a diplomatic mission to Paris. But Ben cannot restrain John's abrasive personality which is even less well suited to Paris than Philadelphia.

Mar 23, 2008

Episode 4 - ReunionE463m

Reunion

Following the surrender of the British, John secures a long sought loan from the Dutch and returns to Paris to oversee the peace treaty. John can no longer bear his absence from Abigail and invites her to Paris which immediately overwhelms her with it's opulence. John is appointed ambassador to England but soon longs to return home to participate in the formation of the new government and, like Abigail, to be reunited with the children. They return home to an overwhelming welcome and John reluctantly returns to public service.

Mar 30, 2008

Episode 5 - Unite or DieE561m

Unite or Die

John Adams chaffs under the mantle of Vice President for its utter lack of authority and responsibility. Despite his abhorrence of the divisiveness of political parties John is drawn to the Federalist camp favoring a strong executive. Divisions even reach into the President's cabinet, exacerbated by war in Europe.

Apr 6, 2008

Episode 6 - Unnecessary WarE676m

Unnecessary War

Following the peace treaty with England President Adams struggles to avoid war with France despite pressure from his Federalist cabinet and French provocation. John finds the price of peace to his career and the price of his long career of public service to his family is indeed high.

Apr 13, 2008

Episode 7 - PeacefieldE760m

Peacefield

In retirement John Adams laments the perils of a long life; loss of loved ones and growing irrelevance. But out of tragedy John rekindles his broken friendship with Thomas Jefferson and lives to discuss John Quincy's ambitious presidential agenda with him.

Apr 20, 2008

Actors

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti

John Adams

Laura Linney

Laura Linney

Abigail Adams

Stephen Dillane

Stephen Dillane

Thomas Jefferson

Danny Huston

Danny Huston

Samuel Adams

David Morse

David Morse

George Washington

Sarah Polley

Sarah Polley

Abigail Adams Smith

Tom Wilkinson

Tom Wilkinson

Benjamin Franklin

Steven Hinkle

Steven Hinkle

Young John Quincy Adams

Madeline Taylor

Madeline Taylor

Young Nabby Adams

John Dossett

John Dossett

Benjamin Rush

Ebon Moss-Bachrach

Ebon Moss-Bachrach

John Quincy Adams

Samuel Barnett

Samuel Barnett

Thomas Adams

Andrew Scott

Andrew Scott

Colonel William Smith

Kevin Trainor

Kevin Trainor

Charles Adams

Mamie Gummer

Mamie Gummer

Sally Smith Adams

Recommendations

Franklin
The Book of Negroes
Death by Lightning
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker
TURN: Washington's Spies
White House Plumbers
The Terror: Devil in Silver
American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez
Julia
A Friend of the Family
The Crowded Room
Secret State
Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Echoes
Patrick Melrose
My Life with the Walter Boys
Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles De Menezes
WeCrashed
Bel-Air
Anatomy of a Scandal

Similars

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
Glue
Cilla
The Driver
Pride and Prejudice
Boyfriend on Demand
The Passing Bells
Olive Kitteridge
The Nightmare Man
Revelation: The End of Days
The Slap
The Game
The Chain
Mussolini: Son of the Century
A Married Man
Scully
The True Story of Alexander the Great
The Great Fire
The Watch House
White Peak Farm